Travel Plan

Revision 1 - October 2018

1 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Contents

1 Introduction 1.1 General 1.2 Site location and Description 1.3 School Overview 1.4 National and Local Policies and Guidance 1.5 Why Change How You travel to School? 1.6 Travel Plan Benefits

2 Site Accessibility

2.1 Introduction 2.2 Cycling Facilities 2.3 Potential to Encourage Further Walking and Cycling 2.4 Local Public Transport Facilities 2.5 Vehicular Access

3 Travel Plan Aims and Delivery Strategy

3.1 Travel Plan Aims 3.2 Objectives 3.3 Delivery and Implementation Strategy 3.4 Roles and Responsibilities 3.5 Role of the Travel Plan Group 3.6 Staff Travel Survey 3.7 Travel Targets 3.8 Site Specific Measures

4 Baseline Travel Survey

4.1 Introduction 4.2 Survey Results, Analysis and Discussion

5 Travel Plan Measures and Action Plan

5.1 Overview

6 Monitoring and Review

6.1 Monitoring 6.2 Review

Appendix A Travel Plan Survey Results

Appendix B Fairhurst - RGC Pupil Travel Survey Report - Sept 2017

Appendix C Sustainable Transport Maps

Appendix D Pupil, Parent and Staff Travel Survey Examples Introduction 1.1 General

1.1.1 This Travel Plan has been prepared by the Travel Plan Group at Robert Gordon’s College in relation to the travel to and from the College’s sites at Schoolhill and Countesswells. The plan has been prepared in response to the Travel Survey Report in Sept 2017, prepared by Fairhurst on behalf of Robert Gordon’s College, as part of the College’s continued commitment to developing more sustainable forms of travel to and from the College.

1.1.2 A Travel Plan is a dynamic document and it must regularly be revisited so that it responds to the travel needs of staff and pupils, ensuring that the package of measures in place achieves the aims and objectives of the plan.

1.2 Site Location and Description

1.2.1 Robert Gordon’s College is located in the centre of Aberdeen at Schoolhill, AB10 1FE which is connected to Union Street (the main street through the heart of Aberdeen city) via Belmont Street. The campus is a short 8 min walk (0.4 mile) from Aberdeen Bus and Train Station with public car parks located nearby. The College playing fields and outdoor sports facilities are located at Countesswells a 13 min drive (3.4 miles) from the Schoolhill Campus. The 39 acre facilities support rugby, hockey, outdoor netball, cricket, athletics, football, tennis and gym activity.

1.2.2 The location of Robert Gordon’s College Schoolhill campus and Countesswells playing fields, within their surrounding context, are illustrated by Figure 1-1 below.

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Figures 1-1: Site Location Maps

3 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Figure 1-2: Site Map Junior School

Dining Hall

Art Gallery

Junior MacRobert School Hall

The Auld Main entrance Back gate Hoose

The Wood Foundation Centre for Science and Technology The Craig Centre for Performing Arts

1.2.3 The Robert Gordon’s College Schoolhill campus layout plan 1.4 National and Local Policies and are illustrated by Figure 1-2 above. Guidance 1.2.4 Access to the College for pedestrians and vehicles is from 1.4.1 The ‘Scottish Government Travel Plan’ defines a Travel the front gate on Schoolhill. Pedestrian access is also limited Plan as a ‘general term for a package of measures tailored access from the rear entrance of the College at the junction to the needs of individual sites and aimed at promoting of Blackfriars Street, Charlotte Street and St Andrews Street travel choices and reducing reliance of cars’ (paragraph 1.1) between 7:45 - 8:45 / 14:45 - 15:45. 1.4.2 Regarding local and national planning and transport 1.3 School Overview strategy and policies, the College will look to align where appropriate, seeking guidance from NESTRANS and 1.3.1 Robert Gordon’s College is an independent co-educational Aberdeen City Council as required. nursery and day school for children aged 3 to 18 years. The school educates over 1,600 girls and boys who 1.4.3 This Travel Plan has been written with regard with both benefit from opportunity and choice via curriculum breadth National and Local Policies and Guidance. It outlines and a range of extracurricular sports, clubs and societies. measures that are being implemented to limit the College’s We are a community with parent, teacher and pupil traffic impact and also promote more sustainable and relationships at our core where pupils are supported to healthier forms of transport, thereby achieving the aims of develop their individual strengths. Classes are small and those Policies. In addition, this document suggests other our tradition of academic strength is underlined by year measures that can potentially be implemented in future to on year examination success. The 2016 visit from Her respond to specific demands. Majesty’s Inspectors of Education commented that “Overall the school provides high quality learning and teaching for 1.5 Travel Plan Benefits children.” Since 2009, £25 million has been invested in facilities. Pupils benefit from Junior School 360 - degree A Travel Plan can bring a number of benefits to the organisation classrooms, The Craig Centre for Performing Arts, The responsible for its implementation, and also to other organisations, Wood Foundation Centre for Science and Technology, the local community and the environment as a whole. The benefits onsite swimming pool, and 39-acre Countesswells Sports can be summarised as follows: Fields. Remaining true to the philanthropic ethos of our • Staff - benefit from improved health, potential cost and time founder, Robert Gordon, the College is proud to offer a saving, reduced stress related to travelling and a general bursary programme where allocated funds far exceed improvement in quality of life; national averages in the independent school sector. In • The College - benefits from increased production and attainment 2016/17 £1.5 million overall was available for the Senior generated by a healthier, more motivated workforce and pupil School bursary programme. population, potential cost savings, reduced congestion, reduced demand for car parking and improved access; • Improved access - to site for staff, pupils, emergency vehicles, parents, visitors and contractors;

4 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE • Local community - benefit from reduced congestion, lower 2.4 Local Public Transport Facilities journey times and free flow of traffic, reduced likelihood of accidents, improved public transport services, reduced overspill 2.4.1 Aberdeen Bus and Rail Station is situated within an 8 minute parking, whilst also addressing issues of nuisance and noise; walk. Public buses travel through the City Centre with • The environment - a general benefit from improved air quality, stops within a few minutes walking distance to the school. less noise, dirt and fumes, and reduced impact on other national For more information and bus times visit First Group or and global environmental problems such as global warming, due Stagecoach. Aberdeen Rail Station has frequent services to lower carbon-based emissions; and from various areas through North East Scotland and the rest • Health promotion - by encouraging physical exercise such as of the UK. For more information and train times visit Scotrail, walking and cycling. LNER East Coast or National Rail. Public car parking is located within a short walking distance. • Harriet Street (Satnav postcode AB10 1JX) owned and 1.6 Why Change How You Travel to the operated by Bon Accord Centre • Loch Street (Satnav postcode AB25 1HZ) owned and College? operated by Bon Accord Centre By choosing a more sustainable form of travel to the College, • Denburn (Satnav postcode AB25 1UP) owned and 1.6.1 including walking, cycling, bus or train, it will help reduce the operated by ACC impact of carbon emissions on the environment and reduce congestion on the road network. 2.4.2 The car parking locations located within walking distance from Robert Gordon’s College Schoolhill campus, are 1.6.2 It is well known that walking or cycling daily can improve illustrated by Figure 2-1 shown left. your health and significantly reduce the chance of disease and illnesin the future. Also, many studies have proven A96 G that pupils who walk or cycle to school are more alert and L

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2.1 Introduction L S CAR PARK T A H B R E C A R E K R O Use of private motor vehicles is not a sustainable long- T F R DENBURN R ROBERT I A I E A HARRIET T D R GORDON’S

2.1.1 term option for transport in the UK. In general, the public S S COLLEGE S STREET S DENBURN T CAR PARK T

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levels. For some time now, Government aims have been T S E L N L KE HOOLH I B targeted at reducing car usage and promoting sustainable S SC A C R K O W forms of transport. Such transport planning is important to A UN Y D N IO D sustainability in the UK. As directed by SPP all sites, either N T M E T new development or traditional are required to promote R E R RE A A ST R C N K travel by walking, cycling and public transport modes. E IO E UN T S T 2.1.2 Consideration of the transport infrastructure in the area enables the identification of options for travel to and from Figure 2.1: Car Parking Locations the College by means other than the private car. A review of these options considers firstly the most sustainable option of walking, then cycling, public transport and finally car.

2.2 Cycling Facilities 2.2.1 The College currently includes covered long stay bicycle parking facilities which is capable in accommodating 20 bikes. 2.3 Potential to Encourage Further Walking and Cycling 2.3.1 There is a Crossing Patroller at the back gate (at the junction of Blackfriars Street, Charlotte Street and St Andrews Street)- 7:45 - 8:45 / 14:45 - 15:45 provided by Aberdeen City Council and funded by RGC. The College is also a member of the Bike to Work Scheme. The College has a link with the Edinburgh Bicycle Store in George Street.

5 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 2.5 College Transport Facilities

2.5.1 The school contracts with First Group and runs three 2.5.2 As the College continues to explore ways to reduce traffic 'yellow buses' in the mornings, from Peterculter, Westhill congestion at Schoolhill, Crooked Lane and Blackfriars and Ellon, to bring Junior and Senior pupils to the school. Street. The College has agreed with Bon Accord Centre Pupils are dropped off on Blackfriars Street at the side gate management preferential parking rates for parents within the at approximately 0815. Each bus is supervised by an adult Loch Street and Harriet Street Car Parks. The priority of the in addition to the driver and pupils are supervised on arrival College is the safety of our pupils as they come to school in at the school until they are safely in the playground. the morning and go home at the end of the day. As such we At the end of the day the school/First Group runs a bus encourage as many parents as possible to use the car parks to the sports field at Countesswells for Primary 1-2 pupils. as part of their routine for dropping off and collecting their There are also buses to the West End and Peterculter with children. Parents are encouraged to purchase a top-up card various stops for Primary 3-7 pupils and younger Junior at a cost of £10 from the Information Desk on the Upper Mall School siblings. A temporary RGC Bus Service from of the Bon Accord Centre. Preferential parking tariffs are: Inverurie to and from the school was provided by First Group during the Scotrail Aberdeen - Inverness main line upgrade 20mins Free £2.50 Discount in May/June 2018 and will likely be provided in term time 30mins £0.50 £2.00 Discount during the second and final phase of works planned for 1 hour £1.50 £1.00 Discount May - August 2019. 2 hours £2.50 £1.00 Discount 3 hours £3.00 £1.00 Discount Places on the school morning and afternoon buses can be reserved on a termly basis using the online forms in the 2.6 Vehicular Access parents login area. 2.6.1 Schoolhill parking capacity comprises 65 staff spaces (both The school/First Group run buses to take pupils to and from permanent and temporary allocations), 3 disabled spaces. 5 the school sports field at Countesswells (Satnav postcode Visitor parking spaces and 1 visitor disabled space. AB15 8AR) during the morning for Junior School Games. Senior pupils are transported to Countesswells at 1345 on 2.6.2 Countesswells parking capacity comprises 108 car parking their games day and make their own way home. In addition spaces, 4 disabled spaces, 4 coach parking spaces. buses are provided for teams travelling to Countesswells Currently Countesswells does not have any covered long after school for training. stay bicycle parking facilities.

6 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 3 Travel plan aims and delivery strategy 3.1 Travel Plan Aims The aims of the Travel Plan are to: 3.1.2 In order to identify a set of objectives the existing issues, • Identify and eliminate unnecessary travel and reduce the barriers or incentives will be established in order to impact of transport generated by the College on the rest of encourage sustainable mode choice. Initially, surveys and the community, the local and wider environment; ‘Hands Up Data’ was compiled in order to gain an insight • Widen the choice of means by which staff, pupils, parents into how pupils and staff currently travel to school. and visitors may travel to and from the College in a safe, comfortable and sustainable way, simultaneously 3.1.3 A questionnaire based survey was given to parents who improving the working environment for staff and pupils; were asked by what means their children traveled to • Identify, support and promote alternatives to single the College. This initial information has allowed certain occupancy car travel to and from the College for staff, measures to be implemented as part of the school works pupils, parents and visitors; in order to capitalise on the potential and encourage • Improve the active travel routes to and around the College sustainable travel to the College. premises for users of sustainable modes of travel; • Positively influence the health, fitness and wellbeing of staff 3.1.4 A further Travel Survey will be carried out among pupils and and pupils by encouraging more walking and cycling as a staff in term 1 of session 19/20 This collected data will then means of travel; and be used to monitor the success of the Travel Plan and will • Develop and implement strategies that support future be used as the baseline against which targets will be set applications for planning permission. and monitored.

The aim of the Travel Plan is primarily based on identifying the existence of ‘win-win’ scenarios and the ability of well informed groups of employees to detect the advantages of making a modal shift towards more sustainable travel modes. A shift away from a single occupancy vehicle is frequently the core objective of a Travel Plan.

3.1.1 Generally, the overall aim of any Travel Plan is to reduce car usage to the school, particularly single occupancy trips. This will be achieved through the introduction of measures to encourage sustainable travel. The diagram below outlines a typical ‘step by step’ process of a Travel Plan.

7 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 3.2 Objectives 3.2.1 The main objective of a Travel Plan is to reduce car usage. • Establish current travel patterns through ‘Hands Up’ data For the College this particularly relates to the number of and pupil, staff and parent Travel Survey; single occupant staff car journeys to work and pupils being • Establish a baseline travel pattern to the College through dropped off / collected by car. However, it is important that the ‘Hands Up’ data and pupil, staff and parent Travel set objectives should be realistic with regards to existing Survey which is reviewed and updated at regular intervals; travel trends and site location. • Set clear modal shift targets with specific dates for their achievement; 3.2.2 Initial objectives include the following: • Monitor the progress of the Travel Plan at regular intervals. • To increase awareness among pupils, parents and staff of travel choices and their implications; 3.4 Roles and Responsibilities • To facilitate and promote more active modes of travel; • To increase the share of pupils and staff travelling to 3.4.1 The school has appointed a Travel Plan Group who meet school by public transport, cycling and walking; regularly and report to the Senior management team and • To reduce car use, in particular car journeys by parents the Head of College. as part of the school run and single occupancy trips by commuting staff; 3.4.2 The Travel Plan Group has overall responsibility for the • To introduce a parking system to compliment the delivery Travel Plan and will communicate the contents of the Travel of the other travel objectives; Plan to pupils and staff. • To ensure the Travel Plan is embedded into existing processes, costed and reviewed on a regular basis; 3.5 Role of the Travel Plan Group • To have workshops and activities dedicated to promoting and encouraging sustainable travel among pupils, staff 3.5.1 The key to successful implementation of this Travel Plan and parents. will be involvement of pupils, parents and staff at all stages. There is a need for communication between the Travel Plan 3.3 Delivery and Implementation Strategy Group and staff in order to maximise the potential benefits of implementing Travel Plan measures. 3.3.1 Successful delivery and implementation of a Travel Plan can improve accessibility by sustainable modes, positively affect 3.5.2 The Travel Plan Group will be responsible for: modal choice for journeys to school and reduce congestion • Implementation of the Travel Plan, including preparation on the transport network. The most important measure of a for initial Travel Surveys to be undertaken and agreement Travel Plan’s success is its effect on school travel behaviour of travel mode share targets; through reduced car use and promotion of more sustainable • Being the point of contact for travel information, including forms of travel. preparation and distribution of travel information packs within and outside the College; 3.3.2 To assist in the delivery of a successful Travel Plan for the • Liaising with public transport operators, planning / highway College the following strategy has been pursued: authorities and other stakeholders to explore the potential • Appointment of a Travel Plan Group to oversee the for sustainable travel improvements; implementation of the Travel Plan; • Promoting and marketing the Travel Plan within the • Implementation of site-specific measures to promote sustainable travel by pupils and staff;

8 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE school, including provision of up to date information on regional and national initiatives / promotional events, e.g. National Bike Week 3.6.2 repeated every year thereafter. A Snapshot survey may be • Monitoring progress of the Travel Plan through coordinating used to assess the progress of any new travel measures repeat surveys and using the findings to develop new that are introduced. measures as necessary to encourage sustainable travel; • Regularly reviewing the aims / objectives of the Travel 3.7 Travel Targets Plan along with SMT, implementing any new travel measures and setting revised travel targets. Travel targets will be set, in agreement with Aberdeen City • Annual review of the progress of the Travel Plan with the 3.7.1 Council, following the completion of the initial travel surveys City Council and other relevant agencies. and a thorough review of the data obtained.

3.6 Staff Travel Survey 3.8 Site Specific Measures The Travel Plan Group will ensure that Travel Surveys Specific Travel Plan measures have been implemented to 3.6.1 are carried out to establish the travel patterns and obtain 3.8.1 achieve the aims of the Travel Plan and are related modal the views of pupils, staff and parents with regards to any shift targets. Specific measures that have been implemented existing barriers to sustainable travel. The survey data would are detailed in Section 5. Further measures may be be collected via ‘Hand Up Surveys’ and self-completion developed following the travel surveys and consultation questionnaires, and passed to the Travel Plan Group exercise with stakeholders. who can compare findings and coordinate any necessary collective measures in response. The Staff Travel Survey is a detailed survey and will be

9 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 4 Baseline Travel Survey If you don’t walk to Percentage school, what stops you? (Mode Share) 4.1 Introduction Too far 76% 4.1.1 Robert Gordon’s College conducted a parent, pupil and Roads are too dangerous 12% staff survey to gather the current school travel data for the College which gave a percentage breakdown of the travel Bad weather 13% to school mode share. Figure 4-1 below gives an average Too much to carry 27% of the travel mode share from all the surveys. Figure 4-2

4.1.2 Parents, Pupils and Staff selected more than one answer is If you don’t cycle to school, Percentage some cases, as the means of travel may be subject to other what stops you? (Mode Share) influences such as weather. Hence total figures in Figure 4-1 amount to more than 100%, but there is a clear indication Too far 55% that there is potential for a significant increase in the level Roads are too dangerous 49% of travel by walking, cycling, bus, train and park and stride. Bad weather 13% 4.2 Survey Results, Data Analysis and Too much to carry 36% Discussion No / insecure bike storage 13% Primary Mode of Travel Percentage Figure 4-3 Robert Gordon’s College (Mode Share) Walk 14% 4.2.5 Parents, Pupils and Staff selected more than one answer is some cases, as the barriers to walking or cycling to school Cycle/Scooter 2% may be subject to a variety of influences. Hence total figures Bus 22% in Figures 4-2 and 4-3 amount to more than 100%, but there is a clear indication that distance travelled has a significant Park and Stride 10% impact. Driven 60% 4.2.6 Figure 4-2 confirms that the main barrier to walking is Train 5% distance with 76%. This shows that many of the pupils are Figure 4-1 travelling from outwith the city centre area. This explains why the Car and Public Transport are the highest travel modes as 4.2.1 Figure 4-1 confirms that the primary mode of travel for pupils and for the majority of RGC pupils walking is not an option due to staff was by car accounting for 60% of the mode share. A high the distances involved. The results also indicate that another percentage of pupils arriving by car would be expected given that significant barrier to pupils walking to school is the amount Robert Gordon’s College does not have a local catchment area of bags and equipment that pupils carry to school (27%). and essentially serves, but is not limited to, the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire areas. This further explains why the walking 4.2.7 Figure 4-3 also confirms that the main barrier to cycling percentage recorded is only 14% as the majority of the pupils is distance with 55%. Again this shows that many of the attending the College live outwith acceptable walking distance. pupils are travelling from outwith the city centre area. This However, with the inclusion of the Park and Stride travel, the explains why the Car and Public Transport are the highest walking mode share is 24% demonstrating a willingness to limit travel modes as for the majority of RGC pupils cycling is not traffic congestion around the College. an option due to the distances involved. The results also indicate that another significant barrier to pupils cycling to 4.2.2 Bus travel is the second most popular travel mode for pupils school is the amount of bags and equipment that pupils carry and staff with 22%. With the inclusion of train travel, the to school (36%). It is also clear that pupils, parents and staff public transport mode share is 27% demonstrating the high feel that the roads and routes are too dangerous to cycle level of public transport accessibility due to the College’s to school. This may be due to the College’s central location central location within the heart of the City Centre. within the heart of a busy City Centre.

4.2.3 The survey indicates that the majority of pupils and staff 4.2.8 All pupils, staff and parents who took part in the survey were presently do not use sustainable forms of travel, with pupils also asked to provide details of their home postcode. This within walking range of the school choosing to be driven. allowed links to be formed between pupils travel behaviour and their home address. The recorded pupil postcodes have 4.2.4 The surveys not only captured how pupils currently travel been mapped and are represented in Figure 4-4 in order to to school but also what, if any, barriers influence or restrict illustrate the distances that many of the Robert Gordon’s particular travel options. The survey was answered by the College pupils travel from. parents, pupils and staff. Figures 4-2 and 4-3 above gives Figure 4-5 (right) also shows that almost 64% of the drop-off an average to the responses of why pupils currently do not walk or cycle to school.

10 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Nursery Pupil Locations Junior Pupil Locations

Senior Pupil Locations Staff Locations Figure 4-4

11 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 4.2.9 trips are by parents who are also travelling to work. In September 2018 Robert Gordon’s College participated If you travelled to school by car, where in the Hands Up Survey Scotland. The results gathered do you go after the school run? from 94% of all pupils to the question: How do you normally travel to school? Showed a reduction on traveling by car but a similar percentage response to the Robert Gordon’s College Whole School Travel Survey. This would indicate that the results of the Whole School Travel Survey were accurate but that the inclusion of responses of how staff travel to the College significantly increase the car mode share and reduce the share of more sustainable forms of travel. Figure 4-6 below shows the responses to the Hands Up Survey Scotland 2018. Below are the links to the results of the individual survey

Figure 4-5 questionnaires returned by pupils, parents and staff Parent Questionnaire How do you Percentage Percentage Change Nursery to P3 Questionnaire normally travel to (Mode Share) from Whole School P4 to P7 Questionnaire Robert Gordon’s Travel Survey Senior Pupils Questionnaire College Staff Questionnaire Walk 9% 5% Fairhurst - Robert Gordon’s College Pupil Travel Survey Cycle/Scooter 1% 1% Report - Sept 2017 Bus 21% 1% Park and Stride 20% 10% Driven 43% 17% Train 7% 2%

Figure 4-6

5 Travel Plan Measures & Action Plan 5.1 Overview 5.1.1 This section sets out a range of measures that will assist in 5.1.4 At the regular Robert Gordon’s College and Aberdeen City achieving the aims and targets of the Travel Plan. Robert Council liaison meetings we have identified a range of public Gordon’s College will allocate reasonable resources to realm and transportation options around the Schoolhill ensure that the identified measures can be considered and campus under the governance of Aberdeen City Council. implemented. These options are being scoped out in order to know the possibilities, and measure their wider implications, and have 5.1.2 A number of measures have been implemented from the been identified to help achieve the aims of the travel plan and outset which will contribute towards the aim of reducing to create a better balance of place and movement functions single occupancy car travel to the building and encourage on Schoolhill. Schoolhill experiences traffic congestion at sustainable forms of travel. These measures are: peak times in the day and we are taking the strides to making • Creation of the covered long stay bicycle parking facilities a safer and more attractive environment for everyone. which is capable in accommodating 20 bikes at Schoolhill. • Cycle to work Scheme. The physical possibilities and legal implications of the • The installation of an electric car charging point at options within the wider college campus area are currently Schoolhill. being scoped out and will be tested over the forthcoming • The introduction of a Crossing Patroller at the back gate months. We will update when we have greater certainty (at the junction of Blackfriars Street, Charlotte Street and on implementation, however the creation of this travel plan St Andrews Street)- 7:45 - 8:45 / 14:45 - 15:45 provided puts Robert Gordon’s College at the heart of re-organising by Aberdeen City Council and funded by RGC. how we safely and sustainably get to and from and use our Schoolhill campus. One option we are bringing forward is the 5.1.3 These measures have been implemented in response to the creation of a Park & Ride scheme for pupils and staff from information obtained, striking a balance between feasibility, Countesswells to Schoolhill which will be another permanent desired improvements and encouraging sustainable travel. option for sustainable transport choice

12 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 5.1.5 These proposals have been discussed at Aberdeen City 5.1.7 The measures are also given timescales for action: Council / Robert Gordon’s College Liaison Meetings in response to Stage 1 of the Schoolhill Masterplan Project, • SHORT – up to 12 months striking a balance between feasibility, desired improvements • MEDIUM – 12 months to 24 months and encouraging sustainable travel. • LONG – over 24 months

The following tables present additional Travel Plan measures 5.1.8 Proposed measures are set out in the following sections of that can be implemented and considered by the school, and the Travel Plan. they are set out in two categories:

5.1.6 • IMPLEMENT – These measures will be implemented within a specified time from or prior to occupation. • CONSIDER – These measures will be considered for implementation if justified by the findings of the Travel Survey and/or an assessment of feasibility/deliverability.

Objective 1: ‘Reduce the Need to Travel’ Status Action Comments Timescale Implement Make pupils, parents and staff Provide information through Travel Short aware of infrastructure in the Information Packs. area to reduce the need to drive. Implement Encourage pupils, parents Provide information through Travel Short and staff to consider the travel Information Packs. Set up activities and implications of driving to school workshops within the school to raise awareness. Also, include related topics within newsletters, emails etc.

Objective 2 & 3: ‘To increase awareness among pupils, parents and staff of travel choice and their implications’ & ‘to facilitate and promote more active modes of travel’ Status Action Comments Timescale Implement All pupils, parents and staff The Travel Plan will be actively marketed Medium will be made aware of the to seek pupils, parents and staff contents of the Travel Plan and co-operation and encourage ‘ownership’ Short will be encouraged to travel by of the Travel Plan. sustainable transport. Implement Issue a Travel Information Pack Pack to set out current information on to all pupils, parents and staff as sustainable travel options and promote Short part of the induction process. sustainable means of travel that are available in the vicinity. Implement Promote cycling and walking as Travel Plan Group to regularly distribute Medium part of healthy living. Promote information and hang posters on walking/cycling for special pupil and staff notice boards, within events and make all aware of newsletters and school publications. sustainable travel schemes e.g.cycle to work scheme. Implement Promotional events. Advertise and promote participation in national events e.g. such as national bike week.

13 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Objective 4: ‘To increase the share of pupils and staff travelling to school by bus, cycling and walking’ – Travel Information Pack, see Appendix D.

Status Action Comments Timescale Implement Shower and changing facilities Dedicated shower and changing facilities Medium for staff will be available to staff. Implement Display up to date information on Information to be displayed where it can Short local walking and cycling routes. be viewed by pupils and staff (notice boards, website, leaflets, newsletter email etc). Implement Publicity of public transport Current information to be displayed Short routes, timetables and travel in public area (notice boards, website, information lines for staff. leaflets, newsletter email etc), promoting bus travel as well as online journey planning tools. Consider Participation in wider cycling Measures may typically include Medium measures. participation in a local bicycle user group, provision of advice/training on safe cycling, arranging discount with local cycle retailers etc.

Objective 5: ‘To reduce car use, in particular car journeys by parents as part of the school run and single occupancy trips by commuting staff’ Status Action Comments Timescale Implement Additional school crossing patrols Will reassure parents that their children Short placed at front gate to ensure can cross Schoolhill safety. pupils can cross the road safely, particularly where traffic may be busy. Implement Encourage parents to car share Send out letters to parents or even set Short during school runs, taking it in up a forum to encourage such travel. turn with friends and near-by neighbours Consider Promote car sharing among staff Advise staff of Short by providing information about http://liftshare.com/uk/community/ Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire getabout and co-wheels.org.uk website. car share schemes. Consider guaranteed lift home for sharers who are unable to use their planned lift home due to unavoidable circumstances and set up a forum to encourage such travel.

14 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Objective 6: ‘To introduce a parking system that supports the delivery of the other travel objectives’

Status Action Comments Timescale Consider As part of a car sharing scheme, Consider allocating designated spaces Short spaces could be provided in to staff who car share. specific areas for staff who car share.

Objective 7: ‘To ensure the Travel Plan is embedded into existing processes, costed and reviewed on a regular basis’ Status Action Comments Timescale Implement Travel Surveys will be taken on an The surveys will serve two purposes; Short annual basis. a consultation tool to pupils, staff and parents and a mechanism to monitor the development of the Travel Plan. Implement The Travel Plan Group will Setting out schedule for carrying out undertake regular onsite reviews future questionnaires and surveys. Short of how effective of measures have been. Implement The Travel Plan will be revised at This will include a review of targets and least every three years. objectives, as well as the success or Short otherwise of the actions. Implement The Travel Plan will be flexible Travel Plan Group to be allowed time to to current and future needs, and carry out such duties. Short will be regularly monitored and Make pupils and staff aware of the developed by the Travel Plan available travel options to school. Long Group. Implement Include the Travel Plan within the induction programme for new pupils and staff.

Objective 8: ‘To have workshops and activities dedicated to promoting and encouraging sustainable travel among pupils and staff, as well as targeting parents’ Status Action Comments Timescale Consider The Travel Plan Group will set up Making pupils aware of the travel Short workshops and activities related options available to them, the associated to promoting sustainable travel health risks and encouraging thought to school as well as outside of concerning their travel choices from an school hours. Also, make pupils early age. aware of the health risks and subsequent consequences due to a lack of daily exercise.

15 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 6 Monitoring & Review

6.1 Monitoring 6.1.1 The Travel Plan Group will assess the effects of the various 6.1.2 The Travel Plan Group will produce an annual monitoring initiatives annually, based on the travel survey results. The report. The report will include the Staff Travel Survey results, purpose of this monitoring is to: analysis of trends against previous surveys, brief details of • Provide continued awareness of how pupils and staff marketing and promotional events during the past year and travel to the College; details of any new measures adopted. It will also include • Assess performance against the aims and targets of the details of relevant changes in personnel that are associated Travel Plan; with the Travel Plan. • Demonstrate continued management support; and • Guide implementation of revised targets or further travel initiatives if necessary.

6.2 Review 6.2.1 The Travel Plan is an organic document that will require 6.2.3 Where monitoring has revealed issues with the progress periodic review of targets and measures, in consultation of the Travel Plan, revised targets or measures will be with the School Management Team and communicated to identified, and discussed with the City Council, to address the City Council. these issues.

6.2.2 The first review should take place one year after the initial travel surveys, with further reviews annually thereafter.

16 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Appendix A Travel Plan Survey Results - Samples

17 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 18 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 19 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 20 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Appendix B Fairhurst: RGC Pupil Travel Survey Report September 2017 Photo: Newsline Scotland 21 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 22 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents Back to Contents 39 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Appendix C Sustainable Transport Maps

40 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Park and Ride from Kingswells to Aberdeen

Park and Ride from Craibstone to Aberdeen

41 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Park and Ride from Bridge of Don to Aberdeen

Rail routes to Aberdeen

Recommended cycle routes around Aberdeen

42 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Appendix D Pupil, Parent and Staff Travel Survey Examples

43 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 44 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 45 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 46 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE 47 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Full Questionnaires can be found at xxxxxxxxxxx

48 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Scotland AB10 1FE Tel +44 (0) 1224 646346 Email [email protected] www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk Robert Gordon’s College is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC000123

49 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan October 2018 Back to Contents October 2018 Robert Gordon’s College Travel Plan PB Revision 2 - November 2018 ONLINE